Coeus


In Greek mythology, Coeus, also called Koios or Polus, was one of the Titans, the children of Uranus and Gaia.

Mythology

Coeus was an obscure figure, and like most of the Titans he played no active part in Greek mythology—he appears only in lists of Titans—but was primarily important for his descendants. With his sister, "shining" Phoebe, Coeus fathered two daughters, Leto and Asteria. Leto copulated with Zeus and bore Artemis and Apollo. Asteria became the mother of Hecate by Perses.
Along with the other Titans, Coeus was overthrown by Zeus and the other Olympians in the Titanomachy. Afterwards, he and all his brothers were imprisoned in Tartarus by Zeus. Coeus, later overcome with madness, broke free from his bonds and attempted to escape his imprisonment, but was repelled by Cerberus.
Tacitus wrote that Coeus was the first inhabitant of the island of Kos, which claimed to be the birthplace of his daughter Leto. Coeus's name was modified from Κοῖος to Κῶιος, leading to his association with the island.
Eventually Zeus freed the Titans, presumably including Coeus.